Media Release (update)

Big Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a 28-year-old Puna man wanted on a warrant of arrest for drug charges. Brandon Kaleo Lani is also being sought in connection with the investigation of a home invasion robbery in Mountain View early in the evening of November 24.

Lani is described as a local male, about 5-foot-7, about 190 pounds with a medium build, brown eyes and short dark hair or a shaved head. He is said to be armed and is considered dangerous. Members of the public are cautioned against approaching him.

Police are also still seeking 22-year-old Darren Joao in connection with this case. Police have received unconfirmed reports that Joao was seen in Naalehu and Puna, but he remains at large.

The victims in the home invasion reported that three-to-five males entered a Hawaiian Acres home on Road 5 occupied by three men and a female minor.

One of the suspects wore a mask. Two brandished firearms. They demanded specific property. When the victims were unable to produce it, the suspects forced them out of the house and into the victims’ car. The female minor was removed from the car and sexually assaulted.

The suspects were last seen leaving in their truck and the stolen car, a white 2000 Chevrolet four-door sedan bearing Hawaii veterans license plate number F317. The suspects are described as local males in their 20s or 30s with tanned complexions.

The female minor was taken by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. None of the other victims required immediate medical attention.

Police ask that anyone with information about Lani’s location or any other information about this case call Detective Reed Mahuna at 961-2384, Detective Richard Sherlock at 961-2379 or the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers calls are kept confidential.